2026 Summer reads for young readersLike this list

38 items

• If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean

  McIntyre, Brooke A.

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  An awe-inspiring, deep-sea‑themed picture book that explores the mysterious marine life that dwells within and below the waves, all the way to the very bottom of the ocean! Ages 5-9

• The Deep!

  Wild Life at the Ocean's Darkest Depths

  Leigh, Lindsey

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  Discover the Vampire Squid, the Pigbutt Worm, the Dumbo Octopus and other hard-to- believe-they-exist creatures who make the dark and freezing waters of the Abyssal zone their home. Ages 8-12

• Narwhal's Otter Friend

  Clanton, Ben, 1988-

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  Narwhal and Jelly test the waters of adding a new friend to their pod when they meet Otty the super-adventurous otter. Ages 6-9

• Hunt for the Pirate's Gold!

  Smart, Jamie

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  The titular characters explore the dark depths of the ocean to discover a treasure like no other. It is full of humor, imaginative scenarios, and the thrill of chasing the unknown. Ages 5-8

• Sharknado Warning

  Mara, Maddy

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  Max is... a shark? He doesn’t know how he became one, but that strange older boy with the amulet must have something to do with it. Now, Max is swimming around in the body of an apex predator. Danger is everywhere. Can he stay alive long enough to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fox Catches a Wave

  Tabor, Corey R.

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  Fox is on the move! Wry and repetitive text allows for an accessible read, accompanied by Corey R. Tabor’s charming illustrations and loveable characters. Ages 4-8

• Over and Under the Coral Reef

  Messner, Kate

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  Discover the colorful wonder of the Caribbean in this fascinating and beautiful exploration of the coral reef. Ages 7-10

• Astronautical!

  Stormie, Brooklin

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  Two brothers explore the galaxy on a rescue mission as they come across strange planets, space creatures, and adventures. This graphic novel examines sibling relationships while exploring the unknown. Ages 8-12

• Mega Shark

  Avatar, Ari

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  Ari's dad is a Marine Biologist and has invited Ari, Zeke and Jez to a trip out to sea to track dolphins for his research. Ari and his friends are totally stoked, but there is something lurking deep beneath the water that might derail the entire…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Secret Explorers and the Sunken Treasure

  King, SJ

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  Connor and Kiki go in search of pirate treasure, but their plans change when they encounter a basking shark in need of help. Can they find the treasure as well as rescue the shark? Ages 7 to 10

• Beasts From the Deep

  Ralphs, Matt

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  Learn about the unusual creatures who inhabit the least habitable parts of the ocean. Ages 7-10

• Sejal Sinha Swims With Sea Dragons

  Prasad, Maya

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  Sejal and her brother, Abu, are excited to visit their aunt, who is a marine biologist. During a fun trip to the beach, Abu discovers a small, blue creature washed up on shore. It’s a blue dragon! Despite its name, it doesn’t breathe fire—but it is…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Midnight Realm

  Chapman, Linda

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  When ocean animals start disappearing from the reef and end up in the mysterious midnight realm—Naya and her mer-friends decide to find out why. Ages 7 to 10

• Barnacle Bay

  Curll, Jana

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  Crab is fed up with the bay. Each day is the same; nobody cares for him or appreciates his sense of humor. So he’s leaving. Just when he is about to go, he bumps into Larva, who is looking for a home. Will Larva find the perfect spot to settle here?…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• S.O.S. Mess!

  Ocean, Davy

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  Harvey asks his best buddy Flash the turtle to join him on a family vacation to the Safari Park to see leggy-airbreathers (humans). But when Harvey and Flash get bored and wander off too close to the rock pools, Flash is turtle-napped by the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Shark Party!

  Chanani, Nidhi

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  Mack and all the other sharks are going to a party, but Kitana doesn't feel like shell-ebrating. Then she learns a mysterious shark in the deep ocean hasn't been invited. Ages 7-10

• Tentacle Trouble

  Corbett, Phil

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  The islands of Pawdor are in peril once again! Ferocious sea monsters have been spotted on shore, and the townsfolk are in a complete panic. Luckily, there’s a new guild of heroes known as Kitty Quest that’s ready to protect the land. Ages 7-10

• Sea in My Cells

  Alary, Laura

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  Water is a shape-shifter, a life-giver, an almost magical thing. Explore the journey of water from the sea, to your glass, to your cells. Ages 6-9

• What About An Octopus?

  a Fact-filled Underwater Adventure

  Kerbel, Deborah

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  On a visit to the ocean, a curious little girl goes searching for a seashell and meets a new eight-armed friend. Ages 6-9

• The Tide Pool Waits

  Fleming, Candace

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  Simple, lyrical language mirrors the ebb and flow of the tide. The back pages include more detailed information about the ecology of tide pools of the Pacific Northwest. Ages 4-8